
![[Laser cut and engrave] Vintage Style US Postal Leather Messenger Bag](https://storage-us.atomm.com/resource/xtool/community/attachment/xtool-community/3188fc2e-d0fe-42a4-a749-9d6688202357.png?x-oss-process=image/resize,w_1200,h_900,limit_0/interlace,1/format,webp/auto-orient,1)
![[Laser cut and engrave] Vintage Style US Postal Leather Messenger Bag](https://storage-us.atomm.com/resource/xtool/community/attachment/xtool-community/3188fc2e-d0fe-42a4-a749-9d6688202357.png?x-oss-process=image/resize,w_200,h_150,limit_0/interlace,1/format,webp/auto-orient,1)
![[Laser cut and engrave] Vintage Style US Postal Leather Messenger Bag](https://storage-us.atomm.com/resource/xtool/community/attachment/xtool-community/528e824d-5ba5-40a0-b980-012671ab91fe.png?x-oss-process=image/resize,w_200,h_150,limit_0/interlace,1/format,webp/auto-orient,1)
![[Laser cut and engrave] Vintage Style US Postal Leather Messenger Bag](https://storage-us.atomm.com/resource/xtool/community/attachment/xtool-community/866c11a3-7d66-4487-b7e3-02246a26e26e.png?x-oss-process=image/resize,w_200,h_150,limit_0/interlace,1/format,webp/auto-orient,1)

This file will help you create the iconic U.S. Postal Leather Mail Bag.
This is a advanced leather project. You will also need some 1" Buckles, Copper Rivets, Thread, Needles, etc.
This is my own pattern design based off an original bag from the 1970's.
https://www.facebook.com/61557535867378
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First you are going to need some soft 4-5 oz leather (2 - 2.5 mm Thick)
I recommend a veg-tan milled leather from Tandy Leather. But you can use any you'd like. You are going to need at least a large double shoulder.
Precut the leather into the sheets you need to complete your project. Cut out all your pieces.
First lets stitch the two gussets together at the bottom. You can either set the 3 copper rivets in first, or stitch the two lines down first, and then set your copper rivets.
Make sure you use the score markings and over lap them.
Now lets stitch the front flap to the back of the bag. Only do the two long boxes of stitching first. Not the half circles.
Do not do the copper rivets yet.
Now take your 1" D-Rings, and use the leather loops to attach the D-ring. Then take the half circles and put your copper rivet through the half circle, then the D-Ring Leather Loop holes, then through the now stitched flap and back of the bag in the correct hole. Then set your other rivet holes. Do not set the rivets on the far left and right just yet! Do this to both sides. Then Stitch on the half circles to finish it up.
Now, take the front strap and attach it to the bottom of the flap with two copper rivets.
Now take your 1" buckle and attach it using the leather piece to the bottom of the front section.
Turn your pieces inside out, you will be wanting to stitch the bag together from the inside out.
Now line up the score holes at he bottom center of your gussets and the back of the bag, and start your stitch at the bottom center hole (score hole) and stitch your way up in either direction. Then repeat the stitch for the other sides, again starting at the bottom and going up.
Now do the same process only this time you will be stitching the front side of the bag.
When you are done stitching it together, you will then turn the bag inside out. This is why you will need some softer leather, as this part can be a pain if you are using stiffer leather.
Now attach your gusset straps to the top holes with copper rivets, which are on the front, and back of each side of the bag.
Attach your buckles to your shoulder strap, and your trigger snaps. Run it through the should pad. Attach each end to the D-Rings.